Cayo Cuchillo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cayo Cuchillo[1][2] (also written as Isla Cuchillo or Punta de Cuchillo)[3] is an island[4] that belongs to the Los Roques Archipelago National Park[5] in the north of the South American country of Venezuela.[1][6]
.jpg)
Cayo Cuchillo, Los Roques | |
 Interactive map of Cayo Cuchillo | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 11°51′12″N 66°36′40″W |
| Archipelago | Los Roques Archipelago |
| Area | 2.59 km2 (1.00 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
Venezuela | |
| Federal Dependencies | |
| Francisco de Miranda Insular Territory | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
| Pop. density | 0/km2 (0/sq mi) |
Geography
Administratively, it is part of the Francisco de Miranda Insular Territory, a subdivision of the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela.[1] Geographically, it is located in the Caribbean Sea, forming part of the Los Roques archipelago[7] and national park. It has an estimated area of 259 hectares or 2.59 square kilometers (making it comparable in size to Monaco).
It is situated in the eastern part of the national park, between the Gran Barrera Arrecifal del Este (Great Eastern Barrier Reef) to the east and the Ensenada or Bajo de los Corales also to the east. It lies southeast of Esparquí and Cayo Simea, and north of the Bubies cays (Up, Middle, and Down). Within the zoning classifications of the national park, it is recognized as part of the Integral Protection Zone (Zona de protección integral).[1]
The island is notable for the presence of the Antilles gecko (Gonatodes antillensis). [8]
Tourism
Since Cayo Cuchillo is not among the most crowded islands (unlike Gran Roque, the Francisquí cays, or Cayo de Agua), visitors must coordinate with tour operators or posadas (inns) in Gran Roque to arrange a special stop or private excursion to the site. It is frequently visited for private tours or beach days by tourists seeking complete isolation. Its sandy sea floor and nearby coral reefs make it an excellent spot for snorkeling and relaxation.